Kanye West Wins Coinye Lawsuit

Features

The crypto-currency, who appropriated Kanye West’s name and image for the digital coinage, has lost the legal battle against the almighty Yeezus, according to legal documents filed July 22 in New York, obtained by Billboard.

Earlier this year, ‘Ye issued a cease-and-desist letter to the seven anonymous “Coinye” creators, calling it a “trademark infringement.” The logo bears Kanye’s likeness, with the rapper rocking his College Dropout era sunglasses and styled caesar cut.

The coders reportedly came from around the world, including the U.S., China, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and Slovakia. One defendant named in West’s legal letter, 17-year-old UK citizen Harry Wiliis, appears more flattered by the circumstances.

“I’ve never had anyone try to sue me before, let alone an A-list celebrity.” Willis told Ars Technica. “We didn’t win but we’ve cost Mr. West thousands in legal fees, which is a great feeling.”

He continued, “Also, the main reason I settled is because I get to have West’s lawyer, a United States district judge, and Kanye West’s signature along with my signature on the legal document that removes me as a defendant, which I will print off and frame.”

The defendants, which also included Richard McCord and David McEnery, were sued for an unspecified amount of damages.